AFC Wimbledon’s struggles to cope with setbacks continues as winless run stretches to 12 games
AFC Wimbledon’s winless run extended to 12 matches on Tuesday night as they fell to a 1-0 defeat to a Rotherham side who look Championship-bound.
Where the Dons finish this season will not be decided on this result as the Millers are clearly potential League One champions in waiting, but the second-half performance will be a cause of concern for head coach Mark Robinson.
The Dons were the better side in the first period at Plough Lane.
To combat one of the most potent frontlines in League One, Robinson changed from his traditional 4-2-3-1 to a 3-4-3, which became a 5-4-1 when defending.
The Dons were defensively sound in the first half, with Dan Csoka continuing his impressive form and Paul Kalambayi seamlessly slotting back into the side for his first start since mid-October.
The cornerstone of Wimbledon’s defensive rock was once again Ben Heneghan.
The 28-year-old captain made five first-half clearances, the most of any player on the pitch, and looked composed when bringing the ball out from the back.
Nesta Guinness-Walker’s blistering pace also allowed the formation to change from defence to attack fluidly.
The 22-year-old was driving up and down the left flank, supporting the attacking three and also contributing to keeping the clean sheet intact.
After a first-half performance that saw them go toe-to-toe with Paul Warne’s side, Wimbledon capitulated after the half-time break.
Since the 2-0 win at Accrington Stanley in early December, a performance which saw Robinson hail his side as “men”, the slightest setback in a game seems to be causing their downfall.
That can be as minor as failing to land on a second ball, a substitution or a key moment going against them.
The 3-0 loss to Oxford on December 29 could be put down to a lack of match sharpness after Covid – in opposition ranks – left Wimbledon without a fixture for just shy of three weeks.
But in subsequent draws against Cheltenham Town, Shrewsbury Town, Morecambe and Burton, Wimbledon should have had more nous and a ruthless instinct to kill off the games – they could come to really rue those dropped points in May.
On Tuesday night it was the substitution of Dan Csoka, who had to be taken off due to a heart-related issue, that saw the Dons emerge from the tunnel and produce a shadow of their first-half performance.
The first warning sign came in the 52nd minute when Will Grigg burst past Paul Kalambayi and put the ball on a plate for Michael Smith.
The former Dons loanee, who has scored 16 League One goals this season, struck the ball straight at Nik Tzanev.
Once Rotherham took the lead in the 60th minute – Joshua Kayode poking the ball underneath Tzanev after the Dons were cut open down the left-hand side – there was only ever going to be one outcome.
What will be most disappointing about the final 30 minutes for Robinson was that the Dons failed to attempt to drag themselves back into the game.
Wimbledon’s only shot on target came from Sam Cosgrove’s sixth-minute effort, and they only managed two touches in Rotherham’s box during the second 45 minutes.
It was a timid end to the match, with Wimbledon unwilling to take the game to their opponents to try and snatch a point. They lacked bravery on the ball and a creative spark to drive at Rotherham.
Wimbledon need to show no fear heading into this crucial stage of the season, especially with games against relegation rivals Gillingham – enjoying a revival under former Millwall boss Neil Harris – and Doncaster on the horizon.
STAR MAN
Ben Heneghan. The defender won four aerial battles, completed 12 clearances and made four blocks.
BEST MOMENT
The five-minute period before half time. The Dons should have been awarded a penalty and were playing their best passages of football.
PICTURES: LUCY DIXON